A former industrial building in Burmantofts will be transformed into a racket sport and wellness complex after receiving backing from city planners.
Leeds City Council granted planning consent for the creation of indoor padel courts within the vacant warehouse situated on Dolly Lane in the east Leeds district.
The development scheme also encompasses a pilates studio and licensed bar facilities.
The scheme located in proximity to St James’s University Hospital is anticipated to generate employment opportunities within the area.
Planning documentation indicated that the local authority received two public representations concerning the application.
One submission expressed opposition while another offered support for the initiative.
The opposing correspondence cited road safety implications and insufficient affordable parking provision for hospital employees, suggesting the venture would exacerbate existing difficulties.
A council planning assessment concluded that the site benefits from a sustainable position with strong links to the broader road network and public transport infrastructure.
The officer’s report indicated that vehicle tracking assessments confirm safe access, circulation and manoeuvring capabilities for larger vehicles including refuse collection lorries and those requiring entry to the substation.
CPW Planning submitted design documentation asserting that the scheme would address increasing demand for padel amenities.
The report highlighted that the conversion would create fresh job prospects and restore dormant premises to productive commercial use, thereby enhancing the site’s economic contribution to the locality.
The submission referenced the UK Padel Report 2025, which documented growth from fewer than 40 courts nationwide in 2016 to 710 by the close of 2024.
Full planning approval was formalised through a decision notice dated September 3.